The Evolution and Ethics of Esports: A Global Perspective

Introduction

On 6 September 2023, the picturesque Portuguese Municipality of Pombal played host to a groundbreaking hybrid conference: The Esports Integrity Forum. This pioneering event, a collaboration between SIGA EUROPE and WESCO Europe, aimed to shed light on the rapidly evolving world of esports, its challenges, and its boundless potential.

The forum was inaugurated with insightful opening remarks by Emanuel Macedo de Medeiros, Global CEO of SIGA, and Pedro Pimpão, the Mayor of Pombal. Their speeches set the stage for a deep dive into the intricacies of esports, emphasizing its significance in the contemporary sports landscape.

Sandra Lopez, a senior Tech-Executive with an impressive tenure at tech giants like Microsoft and Intel and co-chair of the SIGA AMERICA Advisory Board, took center stage with her keynote. Her discourse on “Technology, Innovation, and Integrity” provided attendees with a comprehensive overview of video gaming’s historical milestones and a glimpse into its promising future.

The forum then transitioned into a panel discussion on “Esports, Integrity, and Development,” moderated by Rui Jesus, vice-president of WESCO Europe. The panel boasted a diverse lineup of industry experts, including Sandra Lopez, Mags Byrne of Estars, Tsubasa Shinhohara from the Swiss Esports Federation, and Reinaldo Ferreira from Boavista FC. Their collective insights underscored the importance of regulation and integrity in the burgeoning esports domain.

A salient point echoed throughout the conference was the unregulated nature of esports and the pressing need for standardized guidelines. Katie Simmonds, COO of SIGA, highlighted the readiness of the Universal Standards on Sport Integrity for adoption in the esports arena. She extended an invitation to all organizations to embrace these standards, emphasizing the importance of the Sport Integrity Verification System (SIRVS) in ensuring a transparent and fair esports ecosystem.

A Brief History of Esports

The first video game was created in 1947, marking the beginning of a new era. By the 1960s, games had evolved from simple tic-tac-toe simulations to space exploration adventures. The 1980s saw the birth of competitive gaming, with over 10,000 players participating in tournaments. The 1990s introduced the world to multiplayer online gaming, and by the 2000s, platforms like Twitch allowed for live streaming, bringing players and fans closer than ever.

The 2020 Olympics “recognized” Esports, solidifying its position as a legitimate form of competition. This recognition was not just about the games themselves but also the technology powering them.

The Tech Behind the Games

Two primary drivers have propelled Esports to its current heights: technological advancement and the digital-native generation’s acceptance of this technology. Games require computational power, efficient chips, and high-speed connectivity. The evolution from gaming consoles to desktops, and then to mobile devices, has been a journey of technological innovation. Companies like Microsoft have even introduced gaming systems for those with disabilities, emphasizing inclusivity.

The future promises even more advancements. Cloud computing is set to democratize access to gaming, ensuring that high-quality gaming experiences are not limited by hardware constraints. 5G and soon, 6G connectivity will provide even faster, real-time gaming experiences. Augmented reality and virtual reality are poised to revolutionize the gaming landscape, offering immersive experiences like never before.

Ethics in Esports

However, with great power comes great responsibility. The Esports industry, while offering immense potential, also presents ethical challenges. Gender disparity in prize money, digital addiction, online bullying, and data privacy concerns are issues that the industry must address.

Organizations like the Sports Integrity Global Alliance are championing the cause of ethics in Esports. The focus is on creating a better Esports world, one that thrives without harming society.

The Intersection of Traditional Sports and Esports

Traditional sports clubs are also recognizing the potential of Esports. However, their approach varies. While some see it as a profit-making venture, others understand the values and ethics associated with traditional sports and aim to imbue Esports with the same.

Initiatives like the e-stars aim to bridge the gap between traditional sports and Esports, emphasizing the importance of values, ethics, and education in the gaming world.

Conclusion

Esports is not just a game; it’s a reflection of society’s evolution in the digital age. As technology continues to advance, so will the world of Esports. However, it’s crucial to ensure that this growth is anchored in ethics, inclusivity, and responsibility. The future of Esports is bright, but it’s up to industry stakeholders and players to ensure it’s also right.